Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV

Cherokee Federal•Frederick, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance to be considered. As required by our governmental client, this position requires being a US Citizen. Cherokee Nation Integrated Health (CNIH) is seeking a Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV to provide technical laboratory support for assay development, molecular diagnostics, and mission-critical research at Fort Detrick, Maryland. In this role, you will perform laboratory experiments in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories using next-generation sequencing, real-time PCR, digital PCR, MAGPIX, molecular enrichment, microbiology, and other molecular diagnostic techniques. You will execute scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyze and summarize data, support technical documentation, maintain laboratory equipment and suite integrity, and facilitate the execution of research activities. The successful candidate will possess strong laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and assay development, with the ability to independently execute experiments and analyze results. The position requires experience working with biological materials, clinical and environmental samples, and laboratory systems within high-containment environments. The successful candidate must also demonstrate strong documentation, communication, organizational, and laboratory management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with principal investigators and laboratory personnel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline, with relevant laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics, microbiology, assay development, or a related field.
Demonstrated laboratory experience performing molecular biology and microbiological techniques, including PCR, isothermal amplification, nucleic acid quantification, molecular enrichment, and next-generation sequencing sample and library preparation.
Experience performing laboratory work in BSL-2, BSL-3, and/or BSL-4 containment environments and handling pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, clinical samples, environmental samples, or other biologically derived materials that pose human pathogenic risk.
Experience with nucleic acid extraction and sample processing using automated and manual systems, including QIAgen EZ1, MagNA Pure, and Zymo extraction kits.
Experience with cell culture, viral culture, bacterial growth, and manipulation of live virus and human cells, as required for laboratory research.
Experience conducting assay development, experimental testing, verification and validation of diagnostic technologies, and analysis of laboratory data.
Ability to independently execute scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyze and summarize experimental data, and communicate findings to PIs and multidisciplinary laboratory teams.
Experience maintaining detailed laboratory records and assisting with the preparation of standard operating procedures, technical reports, manuscripts, protocols, and other scientific documentation.
Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and supporting laboratory suite operations, including preventative maintenance, safety testing, supply ordering, manual revision, suite orientation, and coordination of laboratory personnel.
Strong organizational, analytical, technical writing, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple laboratory activities and mission-critical research requirements.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with PIs, laboratory personnel, supervisors, and other project stakeholders in a high-containment research environment.
BPRP enrollment is required and will be held and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the contract and all applicable regulations.
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
Active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one.
Must be a US Citizen.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting molecular diagnostic assay development and testing within BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratory environments.
Experience with next-generation sequencing, real-time PCR, digital PCR, MAGPIX, molecular enrichment, and other molecular diagnostic platforms or technologies.
Experience supporting verification and validation of novel diagnostic technologies and translating experimental results into technical documentation.
Experience performing laboratory suite management or supervisory functions, including equipment maintenance, safety testing, supply management, laboratory orientation, and coordination of personnel.
Experience working with clinical and environmental samples and biological materials containing unknown pathogens or biothreat agents.

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory work necessary to fulfill experimental requirements for assay development as determined in collaboration with the respective Project Investigator (PI) in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories.
Conduct experiments, perform testing, and analyze data for the detection of etiologic agents within animal and clinical samples originating from BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 containment suites.
Perform molecular techniques including nucleic acid amplification technologies such as PCR and isothermal amplification, nucleic acid quantification, and sample and library preparation for next-generation sequencing as required by the PI.
Perform sample processing techniques to generate nucleic acid material for molecular diagnostic testing using both robotic systems and manual preparation techniques, including QIAgen EZ1, MagNA Pure, and Zymo extraction kits.
Perform microbiological techniques, including manipulation of live virus and human cells, cell culture, viral culture, and bacterial growth, as required by the PI.
Support laboratory experiments involving pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, clinical and environmental samples containing unknown pathogens, biothreat agents, and other biologically derived materials that pose human pathogenic risk.
Perform independent verification and validation of novel diagnostic technologies as required by the PI.
Execute scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyze and summarize experimental data, and support mission-critical research activities.
Maintain well-documented digital or physical records of experimentation and provide documentation to the PI upon request.
Assist PIs in preparing standard operating procedures, technical reports, and manuscripts for publication as required.
Maintain laboratory equipment and suite integrity, including preventative maintenance and safety testing.
Assist the suite supervisor and perform suite supervisor duties for laboratories used by the Division, including maintaining knowledge of instruments, chemicals, and biological work conducted in the laboratories.
Order supplies necessary for department projects, revise suite-specific manuals, conduct suite orientations, and coordinate personnel working in assigned laboratories.
Present protocols and data generated during weekly meetings and monthly assemblies as required.
Facilitate execution of mission-critical research and perform other duties as assigned.
CONUS/OCONUS travel may be required in support of the diagnostic mission.